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Some are Armed and Dangerous:Monroe County carjackings turn fatal; prompt warnings to all motorists
A recent wave of carjackings throughout Monroe County took a fatal turn Wednesday, with a 71-year-old man shot to death. More than a dozen carjackings, some violent, have been reported throughout Monroe County, including several on the west side, including Gates and Ogden. That has local police concerned.
“It’s always a concern with us bordering Monroe,” Genesee Undersheriff Bradley Mazur said. “Our patrols are being extra vigilant. We haven’t had any reported carjackings but there have been a few thefts.” Many GLOW-region residents frequently travel to Monroe, for work or pleasure. Police in Monroe have issued several alerts to residents, warning them of a gang of carjackers.
Wednesday, Richard M. Sciascia, 71, of Irondequoit was driving on Buell Road in Gates, about 20 minutes from Bergen, when his car was stolen. He was shot in the torso and later died at a hospital. His car was recovered in Rochester. The shooting happened at 10:45 in the morning. Just five hours earlier, Greece Police Department issued an alert to residents with the following tips:
“Over the last several weeks there have been numerous instances of vehicles being stolen at gunpoint throughout Monroe County. These crimes are typically occurring in the evening or early night time hours. The thieves are operating with two typical patterns of robbery and they are as follows:
"1) The thieves will rear end the target vehicle at low speeds and wait for the victim to exit the vehicle. They will then approach the victim and rob them for their vehicle at gunpoint.
"If you are involved in a situation described above, you should remain in your vehicle with the doors locked, call 911 immediately and if possible, leave the location for a public place or police station to seek assistance.
"2) The thieves will follow the victim to their destination (sometimes their home or other location) and will wait for the victim to exit their vehicle. They will then approach them on foot and rob them for their vehicle at gunpoint.
"Please pay close attention to your surroundings. If you feel you are being followed or feel there is a potential threat in your vicinity, you should consider driving to a public area or police station rather than to your home. You should remain in your vehicle with the doors locked and call 911 immediately.”